When people search for queries like “How long can a cat go without food?” I feel they have some inhumane mentality because a person who loves their cat will never think of leaving them alone. However, I think there must be a reason people search for it. Let’s search a bit on Google, and then I will tell you what my vet said in this article.
Before you leave your cat without food by mistake or something mishaps like the cat getting locked in the basement or cupboard, it’s important to understand the cat’s nutritional needs, how long the cat can live safely, and what will affect its mental and physical health.
Disclaimer:
Before you start reading this article, let me clarify a few things: I have never left my kitty cat alone for more than 12 hours without food.
My vet states the answers given below.
Understanding a Cat’s Nutritional Needs
Cats are carnivores, which means they totally depend on animals for nutrients to survive. They are not like humans or dogs; a cat’s body is not designed to metabolize carbohydrates for energy efficiently. Instead, they require:
Proteins: Essential for muscle maintenance and overall health.
Fats: A primary energy source.
Taurine: An amino acid crucial for heart and eye health.
A lack of these essential nutrients can quickly lead to health issues.
How long can a cat go without food & water?
Cats can live up to 8 weeks without food and water, maybe even more than that, but in my vet’s knowledge or what he has seen, it is 8 weeks. And yes, there are chances of survival, but it’s confirmed that their body will develop some problems like hepatic lipidosis, kidney disease, etc.
Well, this depends on the cat’s age and whether it has had any health problems previously. If the cat has any severe health issues, it may not survive more than 3 days.If it has water, these 3 days can increase to 5 days.
But again, nobody can say with certainty how long a cat can live without food or water. It’s all they have seen.
Some of my vet’s colleagues have seen cats pass away within 13 hours of rescue, while some cats lived 26 days of starvation. Crazy, right?
It also depends on the cat’s breed too.
Risks of Prolonged Fasting
Hepatic Lipidosis: Also known as fatty liver syndrome, this occurs when fat accumulates in the liver as the body attempts to use it for energy. This condition can be life-threatening.
Kidney Failure: Living without food or water for a long period of time causes stress to the kidneys, potentially leading to acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease, especially in older cats.
Dehydration: Cats often reduce their water intake when they’re not eating, leading to severe dehydration.
Muscle Wasting: Prolonged fasting causes the breakdown of muscle tissue, resulting in weakness, malnourishment, and a lethargic body.
Immune Suppression: A cat’s immune system weakens without adequate nutrition, making them more susceptible to infections.
What to Do If Your Cat Stops Eating
Encourage Eating:
Warm the food slightly to enhance its aroma.
Offer wet food or a different flavor/brand.
Try hand-feeding your cat to stimulate their interest.
Try adding catnip to your cat’s food; it may help.
Hydration Is Key: Ensure your cat is drinking water. If not, provide a cat-safe electrolyte solution.
Visit Your Vet Quickly: If your cat hasn’t eaten for 24-48 hours, consult your vet immediately.
Force-Feeding: If none of these tips work, then try force-feeding your cat. I know it’s stressful for cats, or they might attack you, but after all, you love them and don’t want your cat to sleep with an empty stomach.
FAQs
Q1. How long does it take for a cat to starve?
Ans. In 4-5 days, cats start feeling starved.
Q2. Can a cat go 12 hours without water?
Ans. Yes, a cat can easily survive 12 hours without water, but he won’t be happy with your gesture. Remember, after 48 hours of not eating, liver damage can occur.
Q3. How long does it take for a cat to die of starvation?
Ans. If a healthy cat starves for any reason, it can take up to weeks, or if a cat has a disease already, they won’t last more than a week or two.
Q4. Can a Cat Go 24 Hours Without Food?
Ans. Yes, cats can go 24 hours straight without food. Even in some situations, it has been seen that a cat has survived 8 weeks.
Q5.What to Do If a Healthy Cat Hasn’t Eaten Anything for a Long Time?
Ans. If you have found a cat who hasn’t eaten anything for a long time, here long time means 4-5 days:
In that case, firstly, take them to the vet ASAP. The vet will do the whole body check-up. As you know, cats can develop health issues really fast if they don’t eat anything for a long period. But before you rush to the vet, you can try to give him water, or if he is willing to eat something, you can give him cat treats.
Q6. Why is my cat not eating anything?
Ans. Common Reasons Cats Stop Eating:
Medical Issues: Dental pain, gas-related problems, kidney disease, or infections can cause appetite loss.
Stress or Anxiety: Environmental changes, such as moving to a new home, can make a cat stop eating.
Food Preferences: Cats can be notoriously picky eaters and may refuse food they don’t like.
Medication Side Effects: Some medications can suppress appetite.
Q7. How long can a kitten survive without food and water?
Ans. As far as I know, kittens cannot survive more than 4-5 days without eating.
All in All
If you ever find a cat that hasn’t eaten for a long time and looks unwell, immediately take it to the vet and get it checked up. Always keep in mind that cats cannot go without food for extended periods without severe consequences.
That’s it for this article. There is not much to conclude. I hope you have gained enough knowledge about a cat’s lifespan without food and water. Don’t forget to help kitties whenever you see them in trouble; after all, we are pet lovers (especially cat lovers).
Before I say BYE! I want to share something where I’m giggling a lot. While reading this topic, I’m feeling silly, like who covers this kind of topic? 😅🤣. Anyway, I hope this article will help someone.
